THEORY OF CHANGE ONLINE

Presentation Overview

TOC Basics
Issues with conventional methods
TOC Online solutions
When and Where to find it
Introduction to TOC
Online
Theory Of Change

is a systematic exploration of
the links between activities,
outcomes, and context.
Elements Of A Theory Of
Change
A pathway of change that shows the
connections between long term, intermediate
and early outcomes
Statements that explain how the intervention
fits along the pathway of change

Justifications that explain why the initiative

expects change to occur
Theory of Change:
Why Develop One?
Participatory process
Creates realistic program expectations
Creates a safe place to be reflective
Can improve evaluation
Allows others to understand what you
are doing
Uses of Theory of Change
Decision-making: Whether to take on an
activity or not
Alignment of program activities with goals
Communication of message
Evaluation
Other Advantages
Stakeholders are asked to be clear about their
assumptions
Gaps between steps and outcomes become
evident
Novel solutions may emerge

The initiative is more likely to be effective

And more

Evaluations based on a theory carry more

weight
Evaluation plans and criteria are transparent
to everyone
Creates a broader base of knowledge
Visual Logic

Accountability
ceiling
Mapping a Causal Pathway
December 17, 2009
Needs to be in electronic format for dissemination,
saving old versions, etc.

Continuous revision requires drawing software

Many pieces of information to store and organize

Difficult to get input from everyone who needs to

have say in theory construction
Theory of Change Online (TOCO) is a tool designed
to address some of the issues wit the Traditional
Method.

Create and edit TOC maps

Storage and organization of information

Maps can be shared

 This is the TOCO
home page.

Click here to
create a new
TOC Map
Member profiles
Access to Theory of Change Online
with support packages
Case Studies
Library of Sample TOCs and other materials
Blog
Discussion forum
Contact Information
ActKnowledge
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New York, NY 10016
(212) 817-1906
hclark@ActKnowledge.org
www.ActKnowledge.org